Award-winning sculptor to judge No.8 Wire entries
Award-winning New Zealand sculptor James Wright will judge this year’s Fieldays No.8 Wire National Art Award.
He will select the finalists and prize winners of the 24th annual running of the award hosted by Waikato Museum and partnered by Farmlands. Wright is renowned for his large-scale Corten steel sculptures which are found throughout New Zealand in private and public collections, from the Auckland Botanic Gardens to Gisborne’s Eastwoodhill Arboretum.
Drawing inspiration from his heritage and rural upbringing, many of James’ artworks have either won or become ‘People’s Choice’ in several of New Zealand’s leading sculpture exhibitions. His work has also featured on television shows such as Grand Designs and Design Junkies.
“Having a judge of James Wright’s standing is a coup for the award,” Waikato Museum Director Cherie Meecham says. “It is also extremely fitting to have a sculptor with a rural background who works in steel.”
“I’m honoured to judge this innovative award which embodies New Zealand’s rural heritage and culture,” Wright says.
The award challenges artists to create artworks made from agricultural products, predominantly No.8 wire, and has nearly $10,000 in prize money on offer.
The winner of the Fieldays No.8 Wire National Art Award receives $7000, with prizes of $1000 and $500 for the second and third placegetters respectively and further prizes awarded for People’s choice and President’s choice.
Entries for the award are now open, and close at 1pm on Friday March 13.
The award exhibition at Hamilton’s ArtsPost, part of Waikato Museum’s operation, will open from Friday April 24 to Monday May 25.
■ To enter: waikatomuseum.co.nz/no8wire